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State Agencies Step Up Inspections Of Virus-Related Restrictions

CDC

Two state agencies in Oregon are ramping up their inspections and enforcement of rules that are meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Over the Independence Day holiday weekend, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission made unannounced visits to some 800 bars and restaurants across the state to check compliance with social distancing and face covering requirements.

OLCC spokesman Bryant Healy said the inspections are meant to protect workers and customers. “There’s been some discussion of closing down the industry again," he said. "So what Oregon has been trying to do is walk that fine line of being safe, pushing for social distancing, and working with our licensees to have compliance.”

Inspectors reported general compliance with the regulations in much of the state, but found what they called “widespread non-compliance” along the central Oregon coast, along with other pockets of the state including downtown Bend.

Healy didn't have any more details about the specific violations spotted at those bars and restaurants. "Our inspectors were working over the holiday weekend, so it's going to take some time for them to sort through their notebooks, get the reports written up, and see how this is all going to go."

OLCC can take administrative action against businesses found to be in violation, and will forward some cases to Oregon OSHA for further action.

Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”
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